Into Music Live Review: Ocean Colour Scene

Concert: Ocean Colour Scene 
Venue: Glasgow Barrowland
Date:  16 December 2021

With the new Omicron variation of Covid gathering pace, a number of bands including The Charlatans, Deacon Blue, Goodbye Mr Mackenzie and Del Amitri took the decision to postpone their upcoming Scottish dates. Therefore, it was touch and go whether Ocean Colour Scene’s four night stint at the Glasgow Barrowland would follow suit. Ultimately, the band managed to play three of those dates with only the 18th December date being postponed.   

As all of the Barrowland’s other planned shows were shelved, the OCS gig on the 16th turned out to be the last of the year for the venerated venue. Fortunately for the faithful who made the event, the band put on a show to remember. 

The decision to kicking off proceedings with The Riverboat Song and You’ve Got It Bad was spot on. The band, quickly in the groove, showcased their musicianship early on. The Beatles-esque North Atlantic Drift floated across the room effortlessly with singer, Simon Fowler, on fine form. The tune was the perfect platform for his harmonious vocal, while Steve Cradock weaved and teased a tune out of his guitar. Perfect. 

Second Hand Car took things down a notch or two, a laid back track where the rhythm section of Oscar Harrison on drums and Ray Meade on bass came to the fore. Lining Your Pockets was more of a sing-a-long with the crowd giving as good as they got, singing the track back to the band.

There was the occasional lull, though this – I think – was more down to some in the crowd being worried about Covid. Not quite the usual boisterous night you’d expect and perfectly understandable in the circumstances. When there was a dip, the band just came back with a stone cold classic, The Circle, Profit In Peace and the set closing Hundred Mile High City were all electric in their delivery. Guitarist Steve Craddock, in particular, illuminating the stage with his quick fingered wizardry. Mention also to his son Cass on rhythm guitar and Daniel Meade on keyboards, helping to add some polish to the band’s sound.    

A four song encore started with Simon Fowler providing an endearing solo version of Robin Hood before the band re-joined him on stage,eventually finishing with a blinding The Day We Caught The Train. 

Certainly my last concert of 2021 and, from a band I’ve seen live on quite a few occasions, they once again delivered a great show. Keep up to date with all things Ocean Colour Scene via their website here. 

Links:

Twitter: @OCSmusic

Facebook: OceanColourSceneOfficial